Stanley Cup Final Tied 1-1 as Panthers and Oilers Trade Blows, Records, and Momentum

The 2025 Stanley Cup Final is shaping up to be a thrilling showdown, with the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers splitting the first two games, setting the stage for a best-of-five. Game 3 is set for Monday night in Florida, where the Panthers will look to capitalize on home ice to gain an edge.

According to ESPN BET, the Panthers are slight favorites (-115) to win the series over the Oilers (-105), with Connor McDavid leading the Conn Smythe Trophy odds at +105.

Florida’s double-overtime win in Game 2 marked their ninth road win this postseason, a new franchise record and one shy of the NHL record. Brad Marchand netted the OT winner, tying him for the third-most career playoff OT goals (5).

Meanwhile, Sam Bennett’s power-play goal set a new NHL record for most road goals in a single postseason (12). Sergei Bobrovsky’s 42-save performance made him just the fifth goalie in history with consecutive 40+ save games in the Stanley Cup Final.

Oilers’ Stars Shine Bright as History Repeats and Records Fall in Final

For Edmonton, being tied 1-1 in the Final is familiar territory—they won both the Cup and Game 3 in similar scenarios back in 1984 and 1985. Leon Draisaitl’s power-play goal in Game 2 tied him for the second-most in Oilers playoff history (22), just behind Wayne Gretzky. He also became the third player ever with 10+ goals in three straight postseasons, joining NHL legends Mike Bossy and Gretzky.

Connor McDavid continues to rewrite the record books. His two assists in Game 2 brought him to 33 multi-assist playoff games, ranking third in NHL history behind only Gretzky and Mark Messier. Defenseman Evan Bouchard added to his postseason impact with his 20th career playoff goal in just 71 games, tying Cale Makar for the fastest among active defensemen and ranking seventh all-time in that category.

Bennett and McDavid Key Offensive Threats as Game 3 Betting Odds Take Shape

Sam Bennett leads the Panthers in goals (13) through 19 games, while McDavid tops all skaters with 25 assists in 18 games. Their contributions have been pivotal in their teams’ offensive output throughout the playoffs. Both stars are expected to play critical roles as the series shifts to Florida for Game 3.

Betting lines offer intriguing possibilities for Game 3. Notable props include Niko Mikkola’s blocked shots (over 1.5 at +145) due to his matchup with McDavid, and a long-shot bet for a Panthers shutout (10-1), bolstered by Bobrovsky’s strong form. Eetu Luostarinen and McDavid are both seen as due for goals, with odds of +600 and +135, respectively. With Florida’s defensive edge at home, the next game could tilt the momentum in this tightly contested Final.